While you’re doing your shopping for that big Thanksgiving turkey and all the trimmings, you might consider purchasing doubles of a few items to donate to those in need. If you find yourself with extra supplies when you’ve done all the cooking and baking, consider donating unopened food items.

In addition to foods, hygiene products are needed, especially this time of year when heating and electricity costs impact already-tight budgets. Consider adding to your donations any gently used, clean winter garments you no longer wear; warm coats, mittens, hats, scarves, or other items will be put to good use. You’ll feel good delivering a bundle of food and clothing to Upper Valley organizations that will distribute your donations to those in need.

Here are four organizations that will be grateful for your offerings and get them to those most in need.

The Upper Valley Haven:

The motto of the Haven is “Where people find hope and discover possibility.” This summarizes its combined mission of delivering seemingly simple solutions to some of the everyday problems faced by families struggling to get back on their feet, meet extra challenges, or set out in new directions. One of the most basic and helpful features of the Upper Valley Haven is its Food Shelf, which is open five days a week and offers inexpensive or free meals and ingredients for cooking meals at home. The wide variety of fresh and packaged foods means that anyone can piece together a nutritious meal for a family dinner.

The Food Shelf’s webpage update makes it easy to find out which donations are most needed at any given time. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, you can expect that turkeys, stuffing mix, and canned goods will be greatly appreciated. Other staples always in demand include breakfast foods like peanut butter, cereal, oatmeal, and bread. Even donating just a few items a month makes a huge difference in the Haven being able to keep its shelves well stocked.

The LISTEN Center:

The LISTEN Center, among its many other services, offers an extensive food program to the general public. This includes a generous meal schedule of Community Dinners, served Monday–Saturday at 5pm at their centers in White River Junction and Canaan. The full schedule of meals is available on LISTEN’s Facebook page.

Dinners are generously supported by local organizations and countless volunteers. Funds come from the sales at the LISTEN stores, but cash donations are always warmly received, as the centers serve more than 2,500 hot meals every month. To volunteer, call (603) 448-4553 or e-mail [email protected].

Claremont Soup Kitchen:

If you’d like to volunteer to provide food, look no farther than the Claremont Soup Kitchen, where you can donate your hours or extra supplies to those in need. Its Facebook page will keep you updated on upcoming events and food drives and let you how you can get involved. Children too are encouraged to come help out with their families. From 9am–1pm every weekday, pantry boxes are available to take home, and dinner is served at 4pm every evening. It’s easy to have an impact on this particular organization, as donation boxes are set up in area grocery stores, such as Wal-Mart and Hannaford’s. Look for these bins at the exit the next time you go to the store.

 

Mascoma Area Food Pantry:

This food pantry is located in the Mascoma Area Senior Center in Canaan, New Hampshire, and serves residents of five Upper Valley towns: Canaan, Enfield, Dorchester, Grafton, and Orange. Walk-ins are welcome throughout the week to stop by and pick up or drop off items. On Wednesdays, volunteering is by appointment: call 603-523-4333 to set up a time. The Senior Center also serves hot meals daily to town residents, as well as providing care, support, and medical services to those in need.

 

For a complete listing of food pantries in the Upper Valley, see this online listing.